That was an exciting game, and oh so close! The word for this week is "zealous". It's related, of course, to the word "zeal" that we had recently. We'll be looking at two different portions of Scripture. . The first one is found in Titus 2:13-14:
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. KJV
This is the Greek word "zelotes". Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to imitate emulously (ambitiously), to strive after. The second verse is found in Revelation 3:19:
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. KJV
This one is the Greek word "zeloo". Strong's Concordance says: to have warmth of feeling for or against. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: absolutely to be heated or to boil, to desire earnestly, to strive after, busy oneself about, to exert oneself for. In Titus, Paul is telling us the type of attitude that Jesus is looking for in His people. In Revelation, Jesus is telling us this Himself! In fact, just before this, in verses 15-16, He tells us exactly what He thinks of an attitude that is less than "zealous"!
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. KJV
He desires that we be excited for the things of God, and that it shows so that others can see it! This is why not every born again believer should be involved in "everything" just because others are. If we spread ourselves too thin, we will have nothing that attracts people toward HIM! The solution is to BE who God has called US, individually, to be, fully thriving in His presence, and allowing HIM to work through us to reach the lost. I have found that if something comes up that I cannot pour my whole heart into, then I will step aside and simply pray for those whom He puts in that position. THEY will be able to do it "zealously" and HE will be greatly pleased! You and Kristine are doing such a wonderful job of allowing your daughters to try different things in order to find what they really enjoy doing, have a passion about and can be "zealous" over! This allows God to further guide and direct them to what He desires for them to do. What a wonderful plan He has and what a great blessing it is to watch it all play out! In keeping with that theme, Here is Hillsong United with "Take It All":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
